Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com A COMPELLING poster is undoubtedly eye-catching imagery, ingeniously capturing the essence of what it intends to convey. Now Shenzheners can admire performance-themed posters designed by German artist Holger Matthies at a free exhibition at the Guan Shanyue Art Museum. The exhibition comprises over 60 posters selected from the art museum’s collection. Despite the absence of contemporary elements like animation or sound pervasively found in today’s motion posters, Matthies’ conventional two-dimensional designs stand out for their incorporation of impactful visuals and creative elements, leaving a lasting impression. Even though many of the posters were created decades ago, they continue to emanate a timeless allure. Some of his posters feature simple objects that are thematically linked to the plays, evoking emotions and offering a glimpse into the performance’s tone or theme. These striking visuals encourage viewers to take action, generating interest in watching the plays. For instance, a poster for “Macbeth” designed in 1988 displays solely a crown made of blood, while a 1995 poster for “Carmen” presents only a knife tip piercing through the title against a blood red background. Additionally, a 1992 poster for “Don Carlos” features the protagonist with his robe parted, revealing his body engulfed in flames. Matthies is a prolific artist renowned for his poster designs for theater productions, exhibitions, concerts, and political satire shows, as well as covers for magazines, books, and music records. Visitors to the Shenzhen exhibition will find out that a recurring motif in his works is the human head, often reimagined in various forms and guises. In some of his posters, heads are placed in unexpected settings or connected to other objects in surprising ways, playing with proportions and delving into the realm of the surreal. Upon viewing Matthies’ posters at the exhibition, one can sense that his images do more than just create a decorative frame for a performance, offering a single perspective. Instead, his works serve as optical mind games that engage viewers, prompting them to actively interpret and engage with the art. Dates: Through July 7 Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Futian District (关山月美术馆) Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit F2 | 